Pal Center: Youth Mentor

Pal Center is looking for part-time Youth Mentors (YM) to work with a group of about 20 students in a safe and supervised after-school program. The role requires YMs to be positive role models, coaches, tutors, and mentors, focused on creating a nurturing and fun environment that supports the growth and development of the students. Essential skills for this position include strong leadership, effective communication, and patience, as mentors play a crucial role in providing stability and guidance. Responsibilities include co-planning and implementing lessons aligned with Pal Center and California Common Core standards, as well as fostering positive relationships with students, their families, and coworkers, while also preparing engaging materials and supplies for activities.

About PAL Center:

PAL Center was founded in 1995 to unite law enforcement officers and residents in Redwood City and unincorporated North Fair Oaks and to deploy dynamic and inclusive solutions that enrich the lives of the children, youth, adults, and families we serve.

Over the years, PAL has become a central hub that prioritizes a comprehensive approach focused not only on the physical and mental health of individual community members but also on the social connections that are vital to reduce social isolation, improve public safety, and accelerate positive behavioral change. 

Responsibilities

• Major Responsibilities:

  • Carry out the mission, vision, and values established by the Directors in all job-related activities.

  • Establish an institutional community culture of supportive learners of all programs

  • Ensure all program operations are carried out in an appropriate, timely, and safe way.

  • Provide a safe, responsible, well-supervised after school program while acting as a positive role model, coach, and mentor

  • Always remain legally compliant with the organization’s bylaws and program rules.

  • Responsible for preparing an engaging and creative learning environment and preparing materials and supplies for lessons.

• Related Duties:

  • Ability to create and implement fun and engaging developmentally appropriate activities in the areas of common cores, character development, hands on, creative expression, projectbased learning,fitness and recreation, academics/enrichment.

  • Continually interfacing with members, volunteers, staff, and parents.

  • Ability to lead and supervise small and large groups by recognizing potential issues and applying established procedures and problem-solving methods as needed.

  • Ability to observe member behavior, assess its appropriateness and apply appropriate behavior management techniques, positive redirection, or appropriate corrective action as necessary to support members in making positive behavior choices.

  • Accurately complete and submit time cards, incident reports, rosters, receipts, and other program-related materials in accordance with policies.

  • Identify student needs and communicate with site lead.

  • Assists in scheduling guest speakers, clinics, excursions relevant to the program.

  • Evaluate the program daily to suggest an improvement, needs, hazards, and/or trends for further evaluation.

  • Observe members daily to check for bruises, cuts, scrapes, rashes, or other indications of injury or illness to report for further evaluation.

  • Set a positive example in food selection, exercise, personal habits, and attitudes.

  • Responsible for the designated group of youth for the duration of the program or until a replacement program mentor arrives – never leave a group unsupervised.

  • Responsible for immediately reporting and documenting any and all injuries or incidents utilizing established procedures.

  • Demonstrate reliability and punctuality by arriving on time for scheduled shifts.

  • Attendance and participation at all required staff meetings, training, and development activities

• Learning Environment:

  • Lead a group of approximately 20 students in an instructional setting, maintaining high standards for behavior and safety.

  • Ability to develop and implement age-appropriate activities.

  • Serve as a positive adult role model for children in the program through appropriate dress, speech, attitude, and courtesy.

  • Create an engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging for youth.

  • Maintains cleanliness in all program areas; assist with the setup and breakdown during program day to contribute to ongoing maintenance in an effort to keep the school or community site clean and orderly.

  • Maintain student safety by maintaining clear boundaries, expectations, and constantly scanning the areas where students are interacting and immediately address safety concerns.

  • Maintain accurate member attendance rosters with roll call and continuous group counts

  • Ensures age-appropriate conversations among members and staff; promotes good manners and encourages common courtesies among members and staff

• Requirements:

  • Youth Mentors are expected to actively work, monitoring members at all times.

  • Assist in keeping the site clean, including cleaning tables, organizing supplies and sanitizing.

  • Provides support for the daily snack/meal program including preparation, serving, clean up, and maintaining accurate meal records for daily reporting.

  • Possess reliable transportation to and from assigned school site.

  • Maintain the highest degree of confidentiality in staff and member matters.

  • Adherence to all organizational site policies and procedures.

  • Appropriate and pre-approved authorization from the Administrative Office of ALL forms, activities, and permission slips.

  • Any additional duties related to the after-school program as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in a classroom, after school, or recreation environment

• Strong Math and English skills (K-12)

• Excellent communication skills with all levels of the organization

• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and classroom management

• Knowledge of G Suite including Google Meets and Zoom

• Avid digital workspace skills: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google Docs, Databases, Canva, Adobe Suite, etc.

• Leadership ability

• Sensitive to the cultural needs of the population served ● Outstanding organization skills

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Special Requirements:

  • Must have valid California Driver's License

  • Must have TB Clearance and be tested every two years.

  • Must be CPR trained, certified, and keep certification current (training can be provided).

  • Must be fingerprinted (provided by RCPD if needed)

Compensation

• Hourly wage $21.00-$25.00 Based on experience.

To Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume to: Jade Martinez- Associate Director jade@redwoodcitypal.org 650-556-1653